In the Detroit Lions’ locker room, controversy erupted after the publication and subsequent removal of an NFL Films video on social media, focusing on suspended safety Brian Branch. Criticism of the content was widespread among the players. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions All-Pro wide receiver, expressed his surprise at the content about Branch, which was part of NFL Films’ “Turning Point” series. The video, narrated by Louis Riddick, presented a negative image of Branch, with a series of unfavorable plays from the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which the Chiefs won 30-17.
Branch was suspended for one game without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct, after hitting Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, which led to a brief fight at the end of the game. Branch’s suspension was upheld after the appeal. The Lions defensive lineman, DJ Reader, also called the video “weird”.I thought that video was crazy. I don’t know why it was released, the reason behind it. Brian Branch is an incredible guy. In the building, he’s one of the nicest guys. He’s quiet; you never really see him angry. He’s always smiling. He made a mistake and he knows it and apologized, and I don’t know why it’s still dragging on, but I don’t think that video was right.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Reader was shocked by the video’s narration and Riddick’s words, which also generated negative reactions online.If you say you don’t want to glorify something, you don’t want something in the game or this, that and the other, then why release this new video about it and it’s narrated and you’re literally highlighting plays over and over and over again? So, you’re shedding more light on that than the internet was on something that already happened. If you’re trying to move on, then move on. It doesn’t seem like that’s what you guys were doing.
DJ Reader
Riddick issued a statement on social media on Friday, explaining that the goal of “Turning Point” is to document the events of a match, both good and bad, and that there was never any intention of presenting Branch in a negative light. The NFL also issued a statement on Friday about the video and its removal.Those things simply give you more clarity in my mind to see how people really think and how they really feel about you. As a player, how can you trust the [NFL] shield now? If they want to throw this out there and that’s how they shed light on it. You have to play for your organization, you trust them and the people you work with, but as for the shield, the people of New York? I can’t trust them. I can’t believe they really have your back or care about your safety or well-being. People who care about you don’t do that.
DJ Reader
